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31st of March is Transgender Day of Visibility

March 31st, 2020

During this difficult time, we want to still highlight this day and the message it bears. A lot of transgender artists and freelancers have been hit hard by cancellations and diminished work opportunities. However there are many things that you can do to help the transgender individuals or organizations around you.

We compiled a list of 10 things that you can do in order to understand transgender people and the world better. There are also actionable ways for providing help if you are able to provide that. Otherwise, take care of yourself and spread the word of this day to your friends and family, or spread the message on social media.

It’s time to celebrate transgender people today and here is a list of things for you to do and remember.

Participate in Transgender Day of Visibility Events

Lots of events are happening online, but you can also spread awareness about the day using hashtags #TDOV, #TransResistance, or #MoreThanVisibility on social media.

Learn about Trans history

Did you know that trans women of color were on the front lines of Stonewall?

Support Trans-led organizations

Less than 10% of grants going to LGBTQ organizations go to trans ones. Many trans organizations run on donations from people like you! Consider making a donation to Trasek here in Finland. Trasek is a Finnish association for transgender and intersex rights. Trasek advocates for human rights, anti-discrimination measures as well as proper medical care for transgender and intersex individuals. Check them here: http://trasek.fi/

Don’t Out Your Trans Friends

It may be Transgender Day of Visibility, but sometimes trans folks don’t want to be or aren’t safe being visible. Always ask first!

This includes race, sexuality, class, disability, citizenship, etc. Recognition does not just entail acknowledgment, it means action too!

Set an inclusive tone

You can do much to make even a space more inclusive, for example you can decide to have all-gender bathrooms and make it clear that transgender and gender non-conforming people are welcome to use whichever restroom they feel comfortable using. You can also start introducing yourself in meetings or in events by stating your name and the pronouns you want to be used to be addressed with. However, recognize that trans folks need more than inclusion: the entire space or processes must be rethought in how it perpetuates transphobia and transmisogyny.

Learn Trans Terminology

Trans language is constantly developing and it’s important to know which terms are appropriate to use. If you are unfamiliar with or uncertain about what terms to use, listen first what terms trans folks themselves are using. But don’t be afraid to admit to not know something – that is okay! Refrain from making assumptions and try to seek out appropriate resources to learn more.

Tell People When They Say Something Transphobic or Cissexist

This may be calling out, calling in, or a different form of recognition. Simply challenging the words someone uses, might be enough for them to rethink their choice of words.

Celebrate – and Fight for – Trans Lives

This is Transgender Day of Visibility, it’s the time for education, empowerment, and action! Check out the links provided in this post to educate yourself and others about this day. Consider helping those impacted by the current. Many performers, drag performers, freelancers and artists are in a tight spot so consider supporting their work online, by making donations or by buying their works. @trasek_ry will be sharing trans creators’ promos in their stories today so tune in to see them!

You can also support the work of one of our artists in the team by purchasing their autobiographical zine, Trans Odyssey here: https://gumroad.com/mikaelhoo